Qualcomm to make dual cameras a standard on phones

Qualcomm wants to ensure that dual cameras are a smartphone staple. The company has developed a dual-camera package that allows manufacturers to add to their phones and tablets as long as it’s running on a Snapdragon 820 or 821 processor. The goal is to make it easier for manufacturers to add the feature setup to the phone, seeing as Qualcomm has handled much of the development.

Deemed Clear Sight, Qualcomm’s dual-camera system works differently than the iPhone 7 Plus’s dual setup. Instead of using the second camera to enhance zooming, it will be used to improve image quality, specifically regarding low lighting.

To do so, the Clear Sight system pairs a standard color sensor with a black-and-white sensor capable of capturing even greater detail. Combining its additional detail with the color gathered from the sensor allows the dual camera to produce a sharper photo. It’s similar to what Huawei did with the P9; more information on how it works can be found here.

This isn’t the first time Qualcomm has attempted to deploy dual-camera systems to other phones. In October of 2015, it detailed its processors’ support for the feature by refocusing its capabilities. While the proliferation of dual-camera systems has not yet happened, the feature has become more prevalent thanks to LG and Huawei. And with Apple’s newest addition to the iPhone 7 Plus, we’re likely to see the interest for them continue to grow.

Via The Verge